How to Be Professional Clown - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Clowns are an important part of the entertainment industry. They provide laughter and amusement for audiences of all ages. Being a professional clown requires an individual to have special skills and talents in order to be successful.

To become a professional clown, an individual must possess physical agility, a creative imagination, and the ability to think on their feet. they must have a strong command of comedic timing, improvisation, and audience interaction. Furthermore, they must understand the basics of facial expressions, body language, and the art of clowning.

All these skills are essential for creating a successful show that will keep their audience laughing and entertained. When these skills are used in conjunction with the right tools, such as props, costumes, and makeup, a professional clown can create an unforgettable experience that leaves their audience wanting more.

Steps How to Become

1. Take a Clowning Class. Look for classes in your area that teach clowning basics. These classes will teach you the fundamentals of clowning, such as makeup application, basic clowning skills, and comedic timing.
2. Practice Your Clowning Skills. Once you’ve taken a clowning class, you should practice your skills whenever possible. Try performing for friends and family or at local events.
3. Join a Clown Association. Many clown associations offer workshops and other educational opportunities that can help you hone your skills. Some associations also offer insurance and other benefits to members.
4. Get Professional Training. Consider taking classes or workshops with professional clowns. These can be invaluable in teaching you the nuances of the trade.
5. Build Your Portfolio. As with any profession, it’s important to build a portfolio of your work. Take pictures of yourself performing and compile them into a portfolio that you can show potential employers.
6. Market Yourself. Create a website or blog to showcase your skills and promote yourself as a professional clown. Contact local event organizers, schools, or party planners to let them know you’re available for hire.

A career as a professional clown requires a great deal of skill and efficiency. Being able to bring laughter and joy to an audience is no easy feat, and clowns must be able to juggle multiple tasks at once. This includes keeping up with their comedic timing, mastering physical comedy, memorizing lines, and even learning how to apply makeup.

A successful clown must also be in tune with the audience, understanding what works and what doesn't. Furthermore, a clown must be able to stay in character for long periods of time and maintain their energy level in order to keep the audience engaged. With the right set of skills and a passion for entertaining, a professional clown can bring joy to any event.

You may want to check Music Maker/Clown, Comedy Clown, and Circus Clown Teacher for alternative.

Job Description

1. Prepare and perform humorous routines for events, such as birthday parties, corporate events, circuses, and festivals.
2. Perform stunts and tricks, such as juggling and walking a tightrope.
3. Create props, costumes, and makeup to use in performances.
4. Teach children clowning skills, such as tumbling, magic tricks, and balloon animal making.
5. Interact with audiences by cracking jokes and engaging in improvisational comedy.
6. Participate in parades and other public events.
7. Oversee the setup and takedown of clowning equipment and props.
8. Maintain a high level of safety during performances.
9. Rehearse clowning acts to perfect timing and delivery.
10. Develop unique routines to keep audiences entertained.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Ability to come up with creative material for clown routines and gags
2. Expertise in physical comedy, juggling, and other clowning skills
3. Knowledge of safety hazards and the ability to work safely
4. Strong communication and performance skills
5. Ability to interact with children and adults of all ages
6. Good organizational skills to manage props, costumes, and other supplies
7. A high level of energy and enthusiasm
8. Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations
9. A good sense of humor
10. Patience and an ability to work in challenging environments

Being a professional clown requires a range of skills, but the most important of all is the ability to connect with an audience. Being able to make an audience laugh, feel comfortable, and enjoy the show is the key to success for any clown. To do this, a clown must be able to read the audience, adjust their performance accordingly, and understand how to use physical comedy, facial expressions, and body language to connect with the audience.

Furthermore, they must be able to think on their feet and improvise when needed. Finally, it is important to have a good understanding of the history of clowning, as well as knowledge of different types of clowning, including mime, slapstick, and other comedic styles. All of these skills combined form the foundation for a successful career as a professional clown.

Health Care Clown, Animal Trainer/Clown, and Clinical Clown are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What makes you unique as a professional clown?
• How do you plan to engage with your audience?
• What experience do you have performing for live audiences?
• What is your favorite joke or skit to perform?
• What is your approach to creating a comedic routine?
• How do you ensure a safe and enjoyable atmosphere while performing?
• How do you handle a heckler or difficult crowd member?
• What challenges have you faced as a professional clown and how did you manage them?
• Are you comfortable working with children and animals?
• What kind of feedback have you received from past clients?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Clown Makeup Kit. A kit that includes all the necessary items to apply clown makeup, such as face paint, blushes, lipsticks, and sponges. (eg: Ben Nye Clown White Face Paint, Beauty Glazed Coloured Blush Palette)
2. Props. Props used in clown acts, such as juggling pins, balls, rubber chickens, comical hats, and oversized shoes. (eg: Big Top Clown Shoes, Juggling Pins Set)
3. Costumes. Costumes that fit the clown's character and act, such as a hobo clown, a traditional harlequin, or a modern clown. (eg: Rainbow Hippie Clown Costume, Traditional Harlequin Clown Costume)
4. Music. Music to accompany the clown's act, such as silly songs or appropriate pop songs. (eg: “I’m A Little Teapot” by Disney, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams)
5. Microphone. A hands-free microphone to be used while performing to a large audience. (eg: Shure PG58-XLR Vocal Microphone)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. World Clown Association (WCA)
2. International Clown Hall of Fame
3. Clowns of America International (COAI)
4. British Association of Circus Arts (BACA)
5. International Jugglers Association (IJA)
6. International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM)
7. Circus Fans Association of America (CFAA)
8. Association of Circus and Variety Artists (ACVA)
9. European Juggling Association (EJA)
10. Professional Clowns of America (PCA)

We also have Goodwill Ambassador/Clown, Street Clown, and Physical Comedy Clown jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Make-up. Makeup is a form of cosmetic that is used to enhance a person's appearance.
2. Costume. A costume is an outfit worn to create the appearance of a character or idea.
3. Gag. A gag is a joke or funny comment made to entertain an audience.
4. Juggling. Juggling is a form of physical skill involving the manipulation of objects for entertainment.
5. Magic. Magic is the practice of using spells, charms and rituals to produce supernatural effects.
6. Mime. Mime is the act of conveying a story or message through body movement and facial expressions.
7. Pratfall. A pratfall is an exaggerated fall or trip that results in comic effect.
8. Ventriloquism. Ventriloquism is the art of speaking in such a way that it appears that the sound is coming from elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What qualifications are necessary to become a professional clown? A1: To become a professional clown, one must have experience in theatrical performance, mime, and improvisation, as well as knowledge of makeup, costuming, and audience interaction. Q2: What is the average salary of a professional clown? A2: The average salary of a professional clown varies depending on the type of event they are performing at, but typically ranges from $75-$200 per hour. Q3: What kind of events do professional clowns typically perform at? A3: Professional clowns typically perform at birthday parties, corporate events, school assemblies, and fairs. Q4: How many years of experience do most professional clowns have? A4: Most professional clowns have at least 5 years of experience in the field before starting their own businesses. Q5: What skills do professional clowns need to be successful? A5: Professional clowns need strong communication and improvisational skills, creativity, and the ability to interact with both children and adults.

What are jobs related with Professional Clown?

• Mime Artist/Clown
• Poet/Clown
• Party Clown
• Face Painter/Clown
• Social Circus Artist/Clown
• Environmental Education Clown
• Festival Clown
• Theater Clown
• Clown Mentor
• Restoration Clown

Web Resources

• A Professional Crown | Civic Issue: - Pennsylvania State University sites.psu.edu
• Professional Development Courses | Crown College www.crown.edu
• Certificates | School of Professional Studies | Brown University professional.brown.edu